Wiseman: Lauzon is known for his submissions, but for this fight he gave Pettis too much time to get his standup game going. Pettis who is known around the world for his headkick against Henderson, shouldn’t have been given that much time. Lauzon needed to go for a quick takedown like he did against Melvin Guillard. You can’t submit someone if you don’t get your hands on them.

Hatsu Hioki vs Bart “Bartimus” Palaszewski

Wiseman: Hioki was able to use his grappling to close the gap and bring things to the mat, then zone in his submission game to put Palaszewski in a load of compromising positions. Palaszewski was able to hang on and get out of the majority of those positions, but Hioki also forcing Palaszewski to be on the defense prevented him from getting anything going outside of his standup in the second. Hioki displayed the best we’ve seen of him to date. Palaszewski showed that he needs to be able to use his hips more, as well as upgrade his guard.

Yushin “Thunder” Okami vs Tim “The Barbarian” Boetsch

Wiseman: As expected Okami was able to outclass Boetsch in the standup and with his grappling. Boetsch’s power was a concern, but Okami was schooling Boetsch until the third round which is when Boetsch was finally able to connect with that power. Okami, more then likely as surprised as everyone, wasn’t expecting Boetsch to still have gas in the tank, but he certainly had enough to get the job done. Incredible comeback for Boetsch.

Yoshishiro “Sexiyama” Akiyama vs Jake Shields

Wiseman: Shields may not have been able to get the takedowns that he wanted until the final minutes of the third round, but he was able to outwork Akiyama in the standup and grappling department. Akiyama did show better cardio then what we have seen in the past, but still wasn’t able to let his hands go enough to get the win. Shields was forced to win a fight based on an area which he isn’t known for, his standup, but something he is known for is his persistence which is what brought home the win tonight. The lesson for Akiyama is to let his hands go and put together combinations. Stuffing takedowns is only one part of a fight when going against a wrestler, he also has to be able to move, counter and put together a game plan to attack and score.

Mark “Super Samoan” Hunt (7-7-0) vs Cheick Kongo (27-6-2)

Wiseman: Kongo with the size advantage should have been able to use this in his favor to get power punches to end the fight. Hunt, however, was able to get in the pocket and use his precision striking to make every punch count. Kongo may not have anticipated the power of Hunt, but you can’t underestimate anyone because one punch can change everything. Hunt showed that a smaller guy isn’t always the obvious loser if you can capitalize on your opponent not using what he has in his favor. In this match, it was Kongo’s inability to use his reach.

Wiseman: Rampage is a danger to anyone who steps in front of him, but that’s if he is able to keep distance on his side and can connect with his powerful punches. Bader’s team knowing this, devised a plan that closed the gap and put Rampage on his back. Everyone knows that Rampage doesn’t do well off his back, so Bader was really able to capitalize on that weakness, wear him down and score points in the eyes of the judges. The most entertaining moment of the fight was Rampage’s slam against Bader, but other then that, Bader merely used his wrestling to grind it out. Rampage needs to work on his ground game which is something that isn’t new knowledge to anyone. Bader, despite the win, needs to deepen his abilities as well because you can’t always grind out the win.

MAIN EVENT

Frankie “The Answer” Edgar vs Benson “Smooth” Henderson

Wiseman: Cardio was never a question regarding either fighter, but the moment that changed everything was Henderson’s up-kick which smashed Edgar’s nose. Not that it slowed Edgar down, but the confidence boost brought out a fired-up Henderson. Henderson put together damaging combinations and was able to match the pace of Edgar. When Edgar was able to get the takedowns there was always the fear of Henderson’s ground game. While Edgar isn’t a quitter and no one expected him to ever be counted out, the close fight was in Henderson’s favor with his powerful strikes. I’m shocked it wasn’t a split-decision because it was a close battle, but now will there be a rematch? Only time will tell as people start to talk to Dana White about their opinions.